There are only 943 female correctional officers in Victoria, just 31 per cent of the workforce. However, when it comes to women’s facilities this can be a serious issue.

"A lot of females can only talk to female officers because of the abuse and family violence that they have gone through," Ms McDonald said.

As well as this, certain tasks in a women's prison can only be performed by women, such as strip searches, urine sample collection and hospital visits.

On Monday, the Victorian government is ramping up efforts to attract more women to the job by launching a recruitment drive for a women-only training squad.

The 30 chosen women will undergo an intensive, eight-week training course before being stationed at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.

Dame Phylis Frost prison for women in Ravenhall.Credit:Eddie Jim

Corrections Victoria Commissioner Emma Cassar is encouraging women of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants do not need a degree.

"We’re looking for people who will bring integrity, teamwork and emotional intelligence to the job and I encourage women with all kinds of professional backgrounds and life experience to apply," Ms Cassar said.

"I know from experience that working in corrections is incredibly rewarding and can lead your career in so many exciting and challenging directions."

Victoria's Minister for Corrections Ben Carroll said prison officers played a vital role in preventing recidivism.

"Our corrections officers are highly trained and do a great job - it’s an exciting opportunity leading to a career that makes a real difference."

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However, working in a prison also involves intense and challenging situations.

Ms McDonald said she once had to hold a man’s stomach in after he stabbed himself. She was trying to stop the bleeding while she waited for medical help to arrive.

"It was terrifying because I didn’t want him to die. He was scared, he realised what he had done and he just kept on saying ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry I’ve done this'."

"I’ve seen prisoners on the street and they have turned around and said ‘I’ve got married, thank you’. Just those words ‘thank you for your assistance while I was in prison,' that's the most positive thing I can achieve," she said.

"When I don’t see a prisoner come back it means that I’ve done something positive. My whole 30 years is a positive."

Applications for the new female-only officer training squad close on January 29th. More information can be found at correctionsjobs.vic.gov.au